Question

The Ourang-Outang represents one kind of outsider to the society of Paris. What other examples of outsiders do we find in this story? Are some kinds of "foreignness" more acceptable than others, and how can we tell?

Answer 1

Outsiders in literature and society represent a complex interplay of foreignness and otherness, often reflecting larger societal attitudes towards cultures or individuals perceived as different. These representations can perpetuate stereotypes but also provide opportunities for reflection and understanding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of the outsider is a prevalent theme in literature and society, and it often reflects societal attitudes towards foreignness and otherness. In fictional narratives, outsiders can present themselves in various forms, from animals symbolizing the natural world or foreign aspects of humanity, to characters feeling isolated due to cultural or societal norms, like a husband in a matrilocal residence or an exchange student experiencing culture shock upon their return home. Not only does this reveal a universal human tendency to distinguish between 'us' and 'them,' it can also lead to xenophobia, ethnocentrism, or romanticization, often paralleling real-world situations where foreigners may face aggressive or unwelcoming attitudes.

Comparing historical perceptions, such as the portrayal of the "Oriental Other" in French art, with modern depictions in media, reveals enduring patterns of how outsiders are depicted—whether as exotic, sexualized, uncivilized, or simply different. The problem with such representations is that they can perpetuate stereotypes and foster misunderstanding or discrimination. Recognizing and questioning these portrayals helps in promoting more nuanced and empathetic understandings of different cultures and identities.

Answer 2

Answer and explanation:

In the story called "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" by Edgar Allan Poe, we find, as stated in the task, that the ourang-outang represents one kind of outsider to the society of Paris. But looking deeply into the lines of the story, we can also think that the hero, the detective called Dupin, is himself another kind of outsider. That's due to his kind of personality: a very cold cand calculating person, nearly emotionless.